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What Causes Leg Pain After Walking A Short Distance?
Question: I have been told that I should have an angiogram done on both of my legs because an ultrasound showed some blockages. I have been experiencing pain in both legs when I walk even short distances. I am wondering if this is a safe procedure for my age ( will be 90 in November ) and also what can they do to improve the circulation in my legs ??
Brief Answer:
the risk is minimal
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some risks related to the angiogram but they are not common. The artery can be injured and require urgent surgical restoration. Thankfully this is a rare incident. Also the injected contrast material may cause allergies and renal damage. Both "side effects" can be minimized with preventive measures.
The angiograms are used by vascular surgeons to plan interventions. Otherwise they have no real use. The ultrasound scan provides enough information for conservative management.
Regarding treatment, the conservative measures target the remaining functionality of your arteries (that is to prevent further damage),which means that the current level of functionality won't improve. Smoking cessation, cholesterol control, glucose control, clopidogrel, aspirin or other antiplatetet agents are important measures. Pentoxyfilline has shown good results in some patients. Surgical interventions - either bypass surgery or intravascular interventions with stents, balloons, etc - are the mainstay of treatment that targets existing lesions and may improve oxygenation of the extremity. Surgical interventions bear some risks too. The vascular surgeon should inform you accordingly. A successful intervention will bring back some functionality depending on the site of the lesion. Proximal lesions are better in this regard. Peripheral lesions in small arteries cannot be treated surgically.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
the risk is minimal
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are some risks related to the angiogram but they are not common. The artery can be injured and require urgent surgical restoration. Thankfully this is a rare incident. Also the injected contrast material may cause allergies and renal damage. Both "side effects" can be minimized with preventive measures.
The angiograms are used by vascular surgeons to plan interventions. Otherwise they have no real use. The ultrasound scan provides enough information for conservative management.
Regarding treatment, the conservative measures target the remaining functionality of your arteries (that is to prevent further damage),which means that the current level of functionality won't improve. Smoking cessation, cholesterol control, glucose control, clopidogrel, aspirin or other antiplatetet agents are important measures. Pentoxyfilline has shown good results in some patients. Surgical interventions - either bypass surgery or intravascular interventions with stents, balloons, etc - are the mainstay of treatment that targets existing lesions and may improve oxygenation of the extremity. Surgical interventions bear some risks too. The vascular surgeon should inform you accordingly. A successful intervention will bring back some functionality depending on the site of the lesion. Proximal lesions are better in this regard. Peripheral lesions in small arteries cannot be treated surgically.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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